Common 3D print defect

Why is my 3D print uneven or rough vertical walls?

Uneven or rough vertical walls is usually caused by extrusion amount is inconsistent, or the machine is vibrating during wall printing. Vertical walls look bumpy, inconsistent, or have visible ridges instead of being smooth

Last updated Jul 22, 2026From the Extrudo editorial libraryBy the Extrudo editorial team

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Quick reference

DefectMost likely causeFirst thing to try
Uneven or rough vertical wallsExtrusion amount is inconsistent, or the machine is vibrating during wall printingCalibrate flow rate

What it looks like

Vertical walls look bumpy, inconsistent, or have visible ridges instead of being smooth

Most likely cause

Extrusion amount is inconsistent, or the machine is vibrating during wall printing

How do I fix uneven or rough vertical walls? Step-by-step

  1. 1

    Calibrate flow rate

    Print a calibration cube and measure wall thickness, adjusting flow percentage until it matches the target.

    Done when: Wall thickness is consistent within 0.05mm around the whole print

  2. 2

    Tighten belts and check the frame

    Check belt tension and frame rigidity — looseness shows up as wall inconsistency.

    Done when: No visible wobble in the frame or belts when tested by hand

Frequently asked

What causes uneven or rough vertical walls in 3D prints?

Extrusion amount is inconsistent, or the machine is vibrating during wall printing

How do I fix uneven or rough vertical walls on my printer?

Follow the step-by-step fix above, starting with "Calibrate flow rate". Each step includes a "done when" check so you know whether it worked before moving on.

Is this fix confirmed by other makers?

This entry is part of Extrudo's seeded defect library. Confirmation counts appear once real users report the fix worked.

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Written and reviewed by the Extrudo editorial team. Last updated 2026-07-22.